Sea Mosque in Abu Dhabi: A Harmonious Blend of Innovation and Tradition

Nikolaos Karintzaidis' Award-Winning Design Marries Islamic Art with Modern Architecture

The Sea Mosque's design is a tribute to the miracle of creation as described in the Holy Quran. The building's form and movement mimic the sea, with its polished white tiles enhancing the dancing reflections of the water. The design's unique properties lie in its stylized water drop formation, which links the ground with the sky. The repetition of this main unit develops a modular system, emphasizing the geometry and tension of the floating volume. This volume is sliced by an inclined plane to face Mecca and the ocean, creating a giant wave in the building's elevation and reflecting the motion of the sea.

The mosque's realization involved a structural steel assembly that provides a unified load-bearing shell. This dynamic sweep of supporting cones and ceiling vaults frees the interior from supporting columns, creating a unified space that correlates with the vast environment of the sea. The base formations facilitate the vertical circulation network of moving walks and lifts that transfer people to the prayer room above, making it appear as if it's floating on air.

The Sea Mosque's unique facade allows light to filter in during the day and glow out at night, transforming the solid volume into a veil. Continuous openings and a high deck allow visitors to look out over the landscape from a public terrace offering panoramic views of Abu Dhabi. The large lattice openings further connect the interior and the exterior, looking over the landscape and reminding visitors of the city's roots and identity.

The mosque's design is interactive, with the ground floor serving as a bridge between the city and the sea. The deck extends and sinks into the water, and the building's shape is a generous platform that barely touches the ground, narrowing at the top and disappearing into the air. The mosque can be reached at the lower level through circulation paths facing the city. Inverted cones form the physical foundations that support the Prayer Hall as well as the vaulted roof structure.

Designed and developed in 2016 in Abu Dhabi, the Sea Mosque project was influenced by the intricate geometries found in Islamic art and architecture. The design faced the challenge of not only serving as a religious building but also as an open place of gathering and interaction. The result is a building that stands out, reflecting the nature of its function and physically manifesting the philosophy of Middle Eastern architecture in a contemporary manner. The exterior creates both an iconic addition to the skyline and a reinvention of typology realized in a modern design language.

In conclusion, the Sea Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a stunning example of how traditional Islamic art can be seamlessly integrated with modern architectural principles. Its unique design, inspired by the movement of a water drop, serves as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation. With its award-winning design, the Sea Mosque is set to become a landmark in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to architectural innovation.